The market is nowadays saturated with thousands of brokers who claim that they can help you find your dream home. Theoretically, this is true. You can easily find a certified broker just by typing in “real estate broker” on the internet, but this raises the questions: ” Is this a good approach?  Does it guarantee your satisfaction at the end of the day? Did you really find the right person to do the job?”

This is not merely a job that entails browsing properties on MLS listings; it takes more than that to be a first-rate broker who can be of real help. It is the experience which comes from endless previous transactions in the area that counts!

Why a West Island Real Estate broker and not any broker?

As a buyer:

• Just by listening to your expectations, he will find the right area for you.
• If you have kids, he will guide you to the most convenient school areas in the West Island.
• If you hate traffic, he can highlight the areas that are close to the bus/metro stations.
• He can share his past experiences with you, so that you don’t end up buying something that will no longer be appealing to you in a few years.
• If you are interested in buying a house for investment purposes, he will provide you with pertinent advice and guarantee the best offer, for he will fight for you!
• He can introduce you to the “crème de la crème” services in the West Island, whether it be inspectors, notaries, gyms or reliable daycare centers.

As a vendor:

• You are looking for someone with a strong network of potential customers who might be interested in buying your house.
• You are searching for a broker who can help you sell your house quickly without having to keep paying its taxes on your old home, now that you have moved to a new location.
• You need someone with a good grasp of the area that can present a very accurate estimate of your house. You don’t want to lose a dime!
• Being knowledgeable about what people are looking for in the West Island, he would be able to advertise your house in the most appealing way.
• He knows what work needs to be done to your property in order to increase its value and make it stand out in comparison to other houses in your neighborhood; overshadowing other houses on sale.

You can obtain more insight on the West Island by reading my blog on the West Island region.

“It takes two to do the trust tango–the one who risks (the trustor) and the one who is trustworthy (the trustee); each must play their role. –Charles H. Green, The Trusted Advisor

Let the Tango begin!

Call Eric Taranowski

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The post 10 Tips that can help sell your home appeared first on Sold in the West.

Tip 2: Reverse your Ceiling Fans
This is a simple way to maximize the spread of hot air through your house. Most home owners turn to their ceiling fans to cool off during the hot months of the year but it can also circulate hot air through your house when you reverse the fan blades to spin in a clockwise direction. The fan will produce an updraft and push down effect, and since hot air rises this will help keep it from escaping the room so quickly. Keep this in mind through the season and you could see the difference in your heating bill.

Tip 3: Leave your Tree Pruning till Winter or Spring
Although you may be tempted to prune and trim your hedges and shrubs you should refrain. Specialist advise to be patient and not touch your plants until the winter when they have had sufficient time to become dormant. The only exception to the rule should be to trim those trees and hedges that threaten power-lines and/or the structure of your home. Leaving weak dead branches can cause serious problems in harsher colder temperatures. A quick inspection is all you need to do before calling an expert.

Tip 4: Inspect your Roof
A quick visual inspection can make all the difference in avoiding a disastrous fall and winter season. Take a look for loose/broken or missing shingles that may leak, check the flashing seals around any ventilation and chimneys as well. This is a small, fast, and relatively cheap repair that can save you some serious money in the long run. If your roof is flat composed of asphalt and pebbles make sure to blow off access foliage and pine needs; these retain moisture and could cause problems if left to stew over the wet winter season, however make sure not to sweep pebbles aside as this will leave the asphalt exposed to harsh weather.

Tip 5: Seal your Windows and Doors
Check for gaps between windows, siding, and door frames that cold air can creep into. Any gaps bigger than dime may need to be resealed. Make sure the product you choose is appropriate to the surface and environment.

Tip 6: Clean your Gutters
Leaving your gutters full of leaves can cause major problems in the winter if left unattended. Take the time to clean them out and make sure that your gutters are strapped and solid for the heavy snowfalls. Also taking time to attach extensions onto your downspouts will help keep added moisture and ice build up around your foundation, saving you from cracks and abrasions.

Tip 7: Test your Sump Pump
Test the level of your sump pump by pouring a couple gallons of water slowly into the sump pit until it turns on. You should do this regularly every few months, especially after a long dry summer season.

Tip 8: Turn off Exterior Faucets, Store your Garden Hoses, and Drain your Irrigation System
Leaving faucets on can cause a build up of water in your pipes. This water will freeze and start to expand over the winter, this will cause your pipes to crack and burst. Your best bet is to disconnect all hoses and drain the remaining water and shut them down for the season. Hint: In older houses the shut off valve tends to be inside. As for your irrigation system; your best bet is to call a professional to drain the system so to avoid freezing and leaks.

Tip 9: Put your Rake away and Get out your Mower
Recent studies show that cutting your leaves and spreading them rather than raking them up and bagging them can do great things for your lawn. Take your bag off the lawn-mower and let the leaves mix in with your blades of grass. As they decompose they will nourish your lawn through fall and over the winter.

Tip 10: Clean your Chimney Early for Santa
Before you throw another log on the fire it is very important to have your chimney cleaned and inspected. This preventative measure can will prevent the threat of chimney fires and carbon monoxide from spreading into your house.

The post Top 10 Fall Maintenance Tips appeared first on Sold in the West.

Factors To Help Choose Your Location

Proximities
Is the West Island real estate you’re considering buying close to commercial buildings; such as grocery stores, restaurants and shopping malls? Would you rather be further away from them and consequently, a more quieter neighborhood? If you like the outdoors; are there nearby parks and bike paths that you can use? Are there daycares, primary, and secondary schools close by? Are there any medical facilities around; such as hospitals or walk-in clinics? If you don’t drive and need to use public transportation; how close is the nearest STM bus stop?

Neighbourhood
Before buying the home of your dreams, drive and walk around the neighborhood several times. Scout out the neighborhood day, night, weekdays, and weekends. Get a feel of your neighborhood and neighbors because it’s something you can’t change. Is it a safe neighborhood to walk, jog, and bike for you and your family? Do your neighbors keep their yard clean and tidy? Ask yourself if you can picture living in this neighborhood.

Building and Land Factors
Is the front yard and backyard safe and suitable for your children to play around? Is there a place that you can garden or is there enough room in the backyard to install a pool? How many stairs are present in the inside and outside of the house? Does your home have good windows views throughout the home? If you’re buying a condo; are pets allowed in the building? How big is the lot size and how close are you’re neighbors?

Affordability
Before looking for a West Island real estate, set a maximum affordable price prior to shopping around. This prevents you from finding the home of your dreams only to find out that you cannot afford it. In the end it’s important to balance out where you want to purchase your home along with your budget. You may have to sacrifice certain aspects of your home, in order to compensate for other factors. Try finding a balance between living within your means and finding the home of your dreams so that you live comfortably.

*photo courtesy of Michael Green Photography

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John Abbott was accredited in 1970, and opened its doors to students in 1971.The college is also named after former Montreal mayor and prime minister Sir John Abbott, who was the proprietor of a rural estate based in Senneville. Moreover, he is best known for his integral role in the notorious Pacific Scandal; which led to the end of the Sir John A McDonald run government in 1873.

It is important to note that the college was initially supposed to be built in the Point-Claire region, adjacent to Fairview Point-Claire. However, the college was subsequently moved into buildings situated on the McDonald College Campus that were vacated by McGill’s Faculty of Education the previous year. Interestingly, the move was meant to be temporary, but the college has remained on the McDonald College Campuses premises ever since. Around the time that the campus was erected on the McDonald College Campus the college also rented a few tentative facilities in the Kirkland municipality near Hymus Boulevard. The “Sister Campus” was known as the Kirkland Campus, and a shuttle bus service was provided for students to travel to-and-from the two campuses.

In addition, in 1973 John Abbott College made the decision to merge the facility located in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue with a newly constructed building-known as the Casgrain Centre- as well as renovate existing collegial facilities. In December of 1979 the Kirkland Campus closed its doors, while renovations and construction work of the Casgrain Centre were finalized in 1981. Moreover, John Abbott was the last college in the Province of Quebec to rent out its campus; which came to an end in 2002. However, while John Abbott bought its respective buildings from McGill University, the University operates and owns the majority of the land on the campus.

Interestingly, John Abbott College is considered an important landmark in the West Island community in Montreal. In addition, while the buildings have been renovated, they are still several centuries old, and are known for their rustic red brick masonry and tiled roofs. John Abbott has also earned a reputation for being one of the most beautiful campuses in the public education system; thanks in part to its rolling green lawns, verdant trees and foliage, quaint, semi-rural ambiance, and idiosyncratic architecture. It is also important to note that, with the exception of Brittain Hall, the ten buildings that constitute the campus are interconnected in some measure.

The Continuing Education centre of the college is housed by Brittain Hall, and was erected in honor of the former Vice Principal of MacDonald College; Dr. W.H. Brittain. Moreover, severe incendiary damage of the property in 1981 has forced the college to close-off most of Brittain Hall to this day, and Brittain Hall also served as residence for men until 1981.

As for the Casgrain Centre, it is the home of art and theatre studios of the college, as well as its sporting complex. The Centre was named after a prominent women’s suffrage advocate and Canadian senator named Therese Casgrain, and also includes a student lounge, Tim Hortons restaurant, and multi-use area for movie screenings, trade shows, exhibitions, and musical performances, known as the Student Agora.

The central building of the campus is the Herzberg Building, which includes multiple labs and classrooms for a myriad of subjects; including nursing, chemistry, mathematics, and biology. The Herzberg Building also houses the college’s library, as well as offices for the Academic Dean and the Director General. Many other services are provided in the Herzberg Building, including financial and legal aid, student counselling, employment resources, and health and wellness services. The Herzberg Building was named after Gerhard Herzberg; a German Canadian physical chemist and physicist who won a Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1971.

The other buildings and centres that constitute John Abbott College include the Penfield, Hochelega, Jonas, and Anne-Marie Edward Science Building, as well as Stewart Hall and Stewart East. John Abbott is also known for its vibrant social scene and extracurricular activities. For instance, John Abbott has its own radio station, known as CSKY Radio. The college also has its own newspaper, known as the Bandersnatch, which has been published bi-weekly since 1971.

As for athletics, the college is home to the Islanders and Lady Islanders, who compete in hockey, lacrosse, swimming, football, basketball, lacrosse, volleyball, and several other sports in the Casgrain Sport Centre. In addition, many movies and television shows have shot scenes on the campus; including, but not limited to, Big Wolf on Campus, Punisher: War Zone, Blue Mountain State, The Amazing Race, Bon Cop, Bad Cop, and the Secret. Many notable alumni have also graduated from John Abbott College; including musician Sam Roberts; actor Donovan King; and the Mayor of Winnipeg (Glen Murray).

With dozens of pre-university and career programs to choose from; including arts and sciences, pure and applied sciences, social sciences, engineering, nursing, computer science, dental hygiene, police technology, energy management, business administration, and professional theatre, John Abbott is a learning institute dedicated to expanding the minds and ambitions of its diverse and dedicated study body, all while providing state-of-the-art learning facilities, resources, and tools.

If you would like to learn more about John Abbott College’s history, architecture, and/or programs offered, please visit its official website at https://www.johnabbott.qc.ca/

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Older West Island Homes

-More Affordable
Older West Island homes tend to be more affordable compared to newer homes. The reason behind this because older houses may require repairs and updates.

-Well Structured
The houses that were built in the 1950’s, 60’s, and 70’s are still up and functioning. The structure of these houses are built to last and have experienced all of the 4 seasons Montreal has to offer.

-Maintenance and Repairs
Since these homes have been around for decades, they may need more TLC in terms of maintenance and repairs.

-Updates and Replacements
The shingles of a roof have to be replaced after 15 to 20 years of use. The plumbing system in an older home may not be working efficiently. Older heating and cooling systems that aren’t functioning may have to be replaced. The insulation and ventilation system may have to be updated as well.

New Construction West Island Homes

-More Expensive
Newer West Island homes is usually more expensive than older homes. With all the developments on our island, new homes are expensive because there is less and less land to build on.

-Freedom to Choose
When purchasing pre-construction, you get to choose the type of flooring, kitchen cupboards, fixtures and make changes or pay for upgrades. This is great so that you won’t have to do it yourself or hire another company to make these changes for you.

-Warranty by the Builder
New homes have a warranty by the builder on certain aspects of your home, including its structure and major components. This warranty should be stated in your contract and is required for builders to provide by government law. Do not need repair anything if there are defects in your home, instead, read your contract or check with the builder to see if it’s covered.

-Foundation
A disadvantage of a new construction is that its foundation hasn’t settled in yet. This means you’ll experience cracks in the ceiling and walls, as well as the foundation moving.

-Maintenance are Minimal
Newly built homes shouldn’t give you many issues or major problems in comparison to older houses. New constructions require minimal maintenance.

-Energy Efficient
A lot of new construction use dual pane windows insulating your home better from the weather outside. Newer homes have new walls, ceilings, and flooring insulating your home better than older homes.

-Laws and Regulations
Buying new construction covers you on laws and regulations for personal safety reasons. The contractor must abide by all the latest safety measures when building you the home.

*photo courtesy of Michael Green Photography

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Similar to last year, I figured tis’ the season to blog about Christmas! But, before I dive into this year’s blog, we at Team Sold in the West would like to extend to all our clients, and readers, a safe and fun filled Holiday season. Now without further a-due… let’s learn about Candy Canes!

As a former Anthropology and Archaeology Major, I enjoy reflecting on the simple things in life, and I find it extremely interesting to discuss and ponder the more mundane of human ritualistic behaviour. I often find the associations we attach to objects and symbols is an important part of what makes us human. Ask a die hard Habs fan for example, if our team’s insignia is nothing more than a Red C – H and be prepared for a backlash. It’s not so much what the logo is composed of, but rather it it was the symbol represents. I find that these associative feelings are especially rich surrounding the holiday season. Just think about it; Christmas Tree, Wreath, Star atop the tree, Stockings, Tinsel, Eggnog, and the subject of this blog – Candy Canes. Out of season these objects are mere “objects”. On a side note I invite you all to read my previous Christmas blog regarding the “History of Eggnog”, once you’ve finished this one. If nothing else, it will give you a great conversation piece when you find yourself sitting around with family this holiday season.

In actuality, hard sugar sticks have been present in history for centuries. They were often common as confectionary for hundreds of years. It is the unique J bend and the addition of Peppermint and Red and/or Green stripping however which gives the Candy Cane it’s definitive features. As folklore goes, it was a choirmaster during the 17th Century in Cologne that was the first to bend the J into the candy stick. He is said to have bent the stick in the shape of a Shepard’s Crook to represent the birth of Jesus. The J-like Candy was then passed out to the children of his congregation to keep them quiet and busy during the long winded Christmas Eve Mass.

In North America, the first mention of the Candy Cane being present is recorded in Wooster Ohio, in 1847, when a German immigrant named August Imgard used the Candy Canes to decorate his Christmas tree. One can thus deduct that decorating a Christmas tree with Candy Canes was the norm in Germany for many years before this date of reference.

The stripes on the cane where the last features to be added. The originator of the stripes is unknown, although there has been mention that the stripes are a symbolic representation of Christianity and the blood of Christ… but that’s not here nor there and has no evidence to sustain this claim. What we know forsure is that prior to 1900, candy canes represented on Holiday Greeting Cards had always been represented in plain white. After 1900, illustrations of the candy canes on Christmas cards where striped. Two decades later a man in Georgia, USA, named Bob McCormack is said to have been making canes for his family and friends around the holidays. Apparently they became so popular that Bob opened his own business, called Bob’s Candies. His brother in law, Gregory Keller, a Catholic priest invented a machine that bent Candy automatically, he called it the Keller Machine. The automation of the process was born and created a boom in production. It is astonishing at which the level of Candy Canes grew in popularity. They are a delicious treat that has become synonymous with Good Old Kris Kringle. As for Mr. McCormack, his shop Bob’s Candies was recently bought in 2005 by Farley and Sathers, who still produce the Candy Canes to this day.

Thank you for reading, and best wishes this holiday season!

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It’s getting to that time of year, the official countdown to Christmas has sprung into action. It is seemingly impossible to miss the massive window display that is the Holiday Season! The image of family’s sitting in front of the fireplace, opening gifts, sipping hot coco while Rover chews his Christmas bone in the corner is the definition of happiness to most people. But did you know, the image of the Holiday Season is one that is statistically terrifying for poor Rover?

It is estimated that 3 pets every hour are abandoned during the Christmas period. The SPCA reports thousands of complaints of abandonment between the 23rd and 27th of December. The sad truth is these numbers are on the incline.

Although the root cause of pet abandonment varies, it is certain that many people are simply unprepared to welcome a pet into their homes, causing them to dump off poor Rover. Here is a list of 3 important things we can all do to make our homes more welcoming for a pet this year. Support your local shelters, and consider bringing home a furry friend this year.

Pick the right breed for your Space.
– The first thing you should consider for an amicable pet – owner relationship before heading to the pound is “Maybe I shouldn’t get a Saint-Bernard in my 500 sqft loft”. Pick a breed that is suited better to your environment. Got a big house with a huge yard? Then bring Beethoven home!

Designate Rover with his own Area.
– Some pet owners find soon after adopting that their once sparkling clean home looks like Walmart on Boxing day. Find somewhere to store all your pets toys, food, and treats. Also, get them a soft spot to curl up and call their own, a plush bed or blanket goes a long way to keeping Rover off your leather couch.

Set a Routine.
Perhaps one of the best ways to fine tune your relationship at home is to set a routine, and stick to it. Wake up, Walk, Feed. If you’re going to be gone all day then make sure Rover’s morning walk is adequate. Bundle up and go for a morning adventure, give your pet the chance to expel some of their energy. A walk in the afternoon, and one at night before bed will ensure a much more calm home environment and a very happy BFFL.

The post Pet Proofing your Home appeared first on Sold in the West.

This recipe is simple and delicious, taking about 45 minutes to prepare and leaving you with plenty to eat for two.

Rack of Lamb with Mustard-Shallot Sauce

What you’ll need:

• 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• One 2 ½ pound rack of Lamb
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Two medium sized shallots (sliced thinly)
• ¼ cup of dry white wine
• ¼ cup chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons chopped thyme

How to in 14 Steps for February 14:

1. While the oven Preheat’s at 400°C.
2. In Medium skillet heat the 1 tablespoon of oil (until shimmering).
3. Season rack of Lamb with Salt and Pepper.
4. Add Lamb to medium skillet (fat side down) cooking over med-high heat until brown (~approx 3 mins.)
5. Flip Lamb and cook for another 3 minutes.
6. Transfer Lamb to shallow baking dish and roast in oven for 20 minutes (thermometer in centre of rack should read 125° C providing you a nice medium-rare rack of lamb).
7. Pull out of oven and place on cutting board letting it rest for 10 minutes.
8. While the Lamb sits on the carving board, empty any fat from skillet.
9. Place skillet back on medium heat, adding 2 teaspoons of oil and the shallots for 3 minutes (or until soft).
10. Add wine and simmer for 2 minutes, then add stock and return to simmer for 2 minutes.
11. Remove from heat adding whole grain and Dijon mustards and the thyme.
12. Season the sauce with salt and pepper.
13. Carve Lamb and place on warmed plates. Once your plate is dressed with your choice of sides (asparagus and rice are our suggestions), spoon the delicious sauce over your succulent meat and veggies.
14. Serve and enjoy!

The post Valentine’s Day Recipe appeared first on Sold in the West.

Although the history of Eggnog is debated, one of the earliest written records of the milky holiday treat dates back to Isaac Weld Junior, in his book Travels Through the States of North America and the Provinces of Upper and Lower Canada, during the years 1795, 1796, and 1797 (published in 1800) wrote: “The American travellers, before they pursued their journey, took a hearty draught each, according to custom, of egg-nog, a mixture composed of new milk, eggs, rum, and sugar, beat up together;…”

In Britain the drink was usually associated to aristocracy. Those individuals that were able to get milk and eggs, would often mix the blend with Brandy or Sherry to make the drink similar to the modern alcoholic version of the beverage. When the tradition crossed the Atlantic in early 18th century the colonials swapped the heavily taxed Brandy for the cheaper Caribbean export Rum. The inexpensive liquor, coupled with plentiful farm and dairy products, helped the drink become very popular in America…. I bet you didn’t know that!

Now that you’ve had time to appreciate the history of the delightful yokie beverage, here a quick recipe to make it in your home this holiday season.

Here’s what you’ll need:
Recipe makes 2 Quarts

• 4 Egg Yolks
• 1 (5 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 ½ cups milk
• 4 egg whites
• 1 fluid ounce of rum
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Directions:
In a large mixing bowl, beat egg yolks until they are thickened and light. Gradually stir in condensed milk, sugar, vanilla and milk. Beat the egg whites until stiff, then add them to the milk mixture. Stir rum into the mixture (to taste). Garnish with nutmeg.

Serve, kick back and enjoy!
Happy Holidays!

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